Kartik wraps up first Kashmir schedule of Kabir Khan’s sports drama

Idrees Bukhtiyar
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04 Mar 2026

Srinagar, Mar 04: Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has wrapped up the first schedule of his upcoming untitled sports drama in the snow-covered landscapes of Kashmir, with portions of the film recently shot in picturesque Pahalgam. A member of the production team confirmed to Rising Kashmir that the actor filmed several key scenes in the snow-clad locales of Pahalgam. “He shot a few scenes and thoroughly enjoyed working in the Valley. The team is expected to return later this month for the second schedule,” he said. Photos and videos accessed by Rising Kashmir show Kartik interacting warmly with children on the sets and posing for pictures and videos with fans, drawing enthusiastic crowds during the shoot. The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kabir Khan, is based on the inspiring life of Tajamul Islam, a young kickboxing prodigy from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district. Tajamul rose to global fame at a remarkably young age and holds the distinction of being the world’s youngest kickboxing champion. She became the first Kashmiri to win a sub-junior world championship at just seven years old. In the upcoming film, Kartik is reportedly portraying Tajamul’s coach. Sources said Khan has developed the project as a high-scale sports drama chronicling the athlete’s journey from a conflict-affected region to the international stage — a story that has drawn widespread admiration. The project marks a reunion between Kabir Khan and Kartik Aaryan after their previous collaboration on the sports drama Chandu Champion, which also featured shooting schedules in Kashmir. The new film is being backed by Applause Entertainment and is described by insiders as a “game-changing” sports-adventure film set against the scenic yet challenging backdrop of the Valley. According to sources, Kartik has undergone rigorous training and a significant physical transformation to prepare for the demanding role. The shoot is expected to span nearly nine months, from February to October 2026, with the makers eyeing a theatrical release in 2027. With a high production budget and an extensive shooting schedule, the film is being touted as one of the most ambitious sports dramas set in Kashmir in recent years.